Abstract
ObjectivesThis study focused on the beneficial effects of Capparis spinosa (CS) treatment on the steatohepatitis induced by the administration of a high-fat emulsion in rats. Changes of hepatic expression and secretion of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) were also evaluated as a probable mechanism of the CS effects on fatty liver. Male Wistar rats were allocated in different groups to receive a normal diet (NC group), a high-fat diet (HF group), or the high-fat emulsion plus CS extract at a dose of 20 mg/kg (HF+CS group). Body and liver weight, liver index, serum biochemical factors, histopathological examination, and serum level and hepatic gene expression of FGF21 were determined.ResultsCS administration markedly reduced liver weight and index, serum levels of glucose, lipids, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and improved histological features of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) which were induced by HF feeding in this model. CS supplementation also restored the decreased hepatic and serum FGF21 levels in the fatty liver rats. We propose that the FGF21 up-regulation may partly account for the favorable effects of CS in this steatohepatitis model.
Highlights
Recent studies have revealed the important role of fibroblast growth factor 21(FGF21) in the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) [1]
Capparis spinosa (CS) administration markedly reduced liver weight and index, serum levels of glucose, lipids, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and improved histological features of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) which were induced by high-fat emulsion (HF) feeding in this model
In the present study, we evaluated the effects of CS fruit extract on a rat model of NASH induced by a high-fat emulsion
Summary
Recent studies have revealed the important role of fibroblast growth factor 21(FGF21) in the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) [1]. FGF21 reduces endogenous production of glucose, fat, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) while promoting insulin sensitivity and utilization of fatty acids as a fuel source [3]. It has been shown that FGF21 has favorable effects in the pathogenesis of NAFLD through improving insulin resistance. Available medications for NAFLD treatment have not provided satisfactory results so far [5–10]. Plant substances have drawn significant attention in the treatment of diseases due to large traditional beliefs, availability, and fewer side effects generally [11]. Several medicinal plants and bioactive natural compounds are used to treat NAFLD in different areas of the world [12]. CS belongs to the Capparidaceae family and has widespread growth in the world as well as the southern regions of Akbari et al BMC Res Notes (2020) 13:356
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